Behind the Scenes of My Elizabeth Arden Shoot... So SJP

This past week has been super fun!  I shot a campaign for Elizabeth Arden that's going to be on BetterTV, online and in print similar to the Strivectin campaign I shot last fall.  Acting as a Spokesperson and being in front of a camera is my true passion so I was completely in my element. Thursday we shot in an office setting and in a gorgeous house in New Jersey and Friday we shot at the Elizabeth Arden store on 5th Ave and out and about in NYC.  My Friday scenes were my favorite because they truly portrayed 'a day in the life.'  Only for this day, I had a stylist and glam squad on hand.

I was the "girl on the go" and we filmed in and out of taxi cabs, subways and walking around the Plaza Hotel by the fountain.  I felt very Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City!  I can't wait to show you the video when it's out!

Now, they're taking a day and a half of footage and creating a three minute piece.  It's expected to be launched late April/early May.

Girl Crush: Mila Kunis, A Guide to Her Complete Oscar Look

I have a total girl crush on Mila Kunis.  I think she's totally sexy without even trying and was so excited to see her pull off a girly yet sultry look at the Oscars last night. Her hair and makeup were on point complimenting that gorge lavender Elie Saab gown.  Here's the full scoop on how to get her look:

Tracey Levy of Lancome gave her a sultry overall look to compliment her gown.  The focus was on her eyes.  Products used: Lancome Color Design 5 Pan Palette in Coral Crush, Color Design Eye Shadow in Impress, Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner in Black and Hypnose Waterproof Custom Volume Mascara in Black.  A dusting of Blush Subtil in Sheer Amourose and hint of Color Fever Gloss in Blazing Pink combined with La Laque Fever Lipshine in Lucent Nude topped it off.

Tresemme Celeb Stylist, Mara Roszak, gave Mila a romantic updo.  She began by applying Tresemme Naturals Mousse to her wet hair and rough dried it parting it to the side.  Then, with a 1" curling iron she waved the hair away from the face.  Once all curled, she brushed them out with her fingertips and pulled Mila's hair softly into a messy chignon that was structured, yet unstructured.

Backstage Beauty Secrets from The Glam Squads of NYFW

One of my favorite parts of covering backstage New York Fashion Week is picking the brains of some of the most talented hairstylists, makeup artists and manicurists in the world. The glam squads behind the Fall 2011 fashion shows of Carolina Herrera, Betsey Johnson, Carlos Miele, Rag & Bone, Monique Lhuillier and other designers filled me in on some of their latest backstage beauty secrets that I’m definitely going to try. The eyebrow tip is already in full effect!

Check them out:

• Use eye drops prior to doing your make up to help clear your eyes and make them appear well rested. • Instead of rubbing your facial moisturizer on, press it into your skin adding a bit of pressure like a gentle massage. This will increase the blood flow in your face and help plump out fine lines. • Brush your brows upward in a 45-degree angle towards the temple for an added eyelift. • After applying lipstick, blot it with a tissue to suck out moisture and shine to create a lip stain finish. • When doing a DIY mani, make sure to cap the edges of your nails with polish for longer lasting results. When polish dries it shrinks and if the edges aren’t capped, it’s more likely to chip. • When applying eye shadow, make sure you use the right brush. The bigger your eyelids, the bigger the brush. • Preparation is key to creating a chic ponytail. Make sure you blow-dry the roots in the direction that you ultimately want your ponytail to sit.

What are some of your favorite beauty tips?

Breakfast at Tiffanys, Backstage at Monique Lhuillier

Backstage at the Monique Lhuillier fall 2011 show Val Garland for MAC and Jan Arnold for Creative Nail Design were joined by Odile Gilbert for Kerastase to create a glamourous yet edgy look. "The gowns are cleam, long and slender," commented Arnold. "Think Angelina Jolie in The Tourist."

The nail color was made of a combination of two shades layered on top of each other: Silver Chrome, Desert Suede and lined them with Dark Ameythest (which will debut in Fall 2011).

Gilbert created a twist of ponytils that were strategically placed and pinned around the head to resemble ribbons and added a black velvet bow into each of the models hair for a girly, Breakfast at Tiffanys effect.

Garland made the eyes the focal point of the face using a combination of blacks with deep plum for a smokey effect.

NYFW Beauty Award: Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara

I have to admit, I get sent a lot of products to test and being one person, there's only so much I can try at one time.  That being said, I have not tried Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara until now.  I'm kind of a mascara snob and no matter what I try, I've always reverted back to my MAC Zoom Lash – until now. Maybelline sponsored New York Fashion Week and therefore Maybelline makeup artists were backstage creating the looks for multiple shows.  This is where I was really introduced to The Falsies Mascara for the first time.  I was practical drooling over every swipe on the models eyes backstage and knew I just had to try it.  The results seemed unreal.  The Maybelline PR rep gave me a tube right then and there backstage and I used it that very night.

The results – incredibly impressive.  The formula is smooth and seems moisturizing.  It adds volume and makes my lashes very noticable, but what I really liked about it is how healthy my lashes look.  My MAC Zoom Lash definitely adds length and fullness, which is why I like it so much, but it also tends to flake and make my lashes look a bit dry.  Like healthy, dewey skin, healthy lashes are everything!

Your Invite Backstage to New York Fashion Week

It's officially New York Fashion Week and you're invited backstage with me!  I rounded up my troops – BeautySweetSpot intern, Ashley and former intern, Carly and we're ready to roll. This is my 12th season covering New York Fashion Week and I have to say I'm very proud of the selection of shows my team and I will be backstage for this year.  Here's a few:

Rag & Bone, Cynthia Rowley, Jason Wu, Malandrino, Betsey Johnson, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier, Rachel Roy, Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta and LAMB

On the site expect to find coverage on the hottest fall '11 beauty trends, pictures and exclusive video interviews.  I'll also be working with the Style Coalition to host web TV interviews.  Enjoy!

Helena Christensen Talks Boundless Beauty with Silhouette

This week I attended an event for Silhouette eye wear with their Spokesmodel, Helena Christensen.  Besides having a Q&A with Helena (yes, we're on a first name basis), I'm super excited about getting fit for my first pair of Silhouettes. Unlike eye wear companies, Silhouette is 100% dedicated to creating solely rimless styles.  They customizes the glasses according to your brow line, eye color, skin tone and face shape.  Even though they're completely rimless, you have the option of adding a bit of personality to the sides if you choose. Considering the fact that I have the chunkiest, most masculine frames at home, I chose a delicate pair with thin, deep plum sides and somewhat rectangular frames with softer, rounded edges.  The brand launched their new crystal collection, which Helena partnered with and definitely makes the glasses more of an accessory.

Here are some highlights from the conversation with Helena:

• She started modeling so she could learn photography.
• "I believe true beauty is when a person shows strength and vulnerability."
• Since she doesn't like to wear a lot of jewelry, she looks at her frames from the Silhouette crystal collection as her go-to accessory.
• Whenever she travels she wears a protection medallion.
• "Before taking a photo put yourself in a comfortable place so you don't start making funny faces."
• If you caught her hanging out in Denmark over the summer she'll most likely be wearing unironed clothes and dreadlocks.

5 Simple Tricks to Turn Up Tired Eyes

We all experience nights whether restless or reckless that quickly turns into mornings where we wake up looking just a little less than alert.  But as the story goes, when that alarm buzzes, it’s time to get up and hide our tired eyes.  I got the scoop from Physicians Formula Celebrity Makeup Artist, Joanna Schlip, on how to look alert with a few makeup tricks. 1.  Line the top of your eye three quarters of the way starting where the color of your eye begins and take it out to the spot where the crease in your eye ends.  Creating a thick line on the top gives the illusion of fuller lashes, which opens the eye.   Try Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum, $10.95.

2. Trace a soft, thin line underneath your lashes on the bottom of your eye.  Make sure you avoid the inner rim.  It will only make them appear smaller.

3. Smudge a highlighter or a shimmery eye shadow underneath your brow bone and place a tad in the inner corners of your eyes for an instant pick-me-up.

4. Fill in your brows from the arch to the outside of your eye to add lift.  I like the Estee Lauder Artist's Eye Pencil, $19.

5. Apply false lashes to the outer most corners of your peepers, curl them and add mascara.

And woo-la!  Grab a grande non-fat latte with an extra shot of espresso and no one will ever know about your rough night.

What are your early morning pick-me-ups?

How to Perfect A Flawless Face

Personally I’m not a huge fan of wearing a ton of makeup, a little mascara and gloss and I’ll call it a day in a second.  However, I’ve had to learn how to do my own face for TV because believe it or not they don’t even put as little as a blush brush to your face before you go on air.  That being said, I can proudly say I’ve learned how to fake flawless skin.  You need three things: a yellow-based liquid concealor for under your eyes, a heavier, stickier green-based concealor for blemishes and a light foundation. Many women make the mistake of using the same concealor for everything, however different textures and pigments work better in different areas. Under Eye Rid dark circles underneath your eyes with a yellow-based liquid concealor that has light reflecting properties. Dab three dots in a triangular shape under each eye with your ring finger and use a brush or your ring finger to blend.  The ring finger is the weakest finger and therefore doesn’t pull the skin when blending and placing the concealor in a triangular shape will accentuate the shape of your face.  Jane Iredale Active Light Under Eye Concealor, $25 acts as a concealor and brightener and has Vitamin K, which helps to lighten dark areas while white tea and cucumber extracts sooth and buckwheat wax reduces puffiness.

Red Spots and Blemishes To cover blemishes use a green-based concealor with a creamier consistency that has staying power like Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Cream Concealer in Cover Green, $5.45.  Dab it with your finger onto the spot you wish to conceal.  Make sure you don’t rub it in as you’ll just irritate the area more and rub it away.  The green tone will neutralize the redness.  Next, just cover the green with a neutral colored concealor before applying foundation.

The Final Canvas After applying moisturizer, apply a light, moisturizing foundation with your fingers or a makeup sponge and blend.  I love L'Oreal Magic Smooth Souffle Makeup, $14.  The trick is that you don’t need to wear foundation all over your face, only in areas that you feel you need more coverage. Make sure you bring it down past your jaw line and onto your neck blending out the line.

Lashing Out: Serums, Mascaras and Treatments, Oh My!

Last week The New York Times reported on the craze in eye lash enhancement.  It's a booming market and each month the beauty industry and consumers find out about a brand new potion, wand or treatment that promises to make you batters fuller, longer and all around more luscious. What girl doesn't want that? But with so many on the market how's a girl supposed to choose? Let me break it down for you: Serums: Full of peptides, if you swipe on a serum once a day at the lash line you're guaranteed longer, fuller lashes in 6-8 weeks.  Latisse is a prescription only serum that costs $120 a pop, but RapidLash can be found at drugstores for $50 and offers the same results.  I've tried and tested, RapidLash and got great results.  Patience and consistency are key.

2-in-1's: Some cosmetic companies are creating double ended wands that have mascara on one end and the serum on the other.  Two examples, L'Oreal Double Extend Mascara, $10.95 and Sue Devitt Lash Intensifer Treatment & Lengthening Mascara, $49.  These are convenient because they're two products in one, but if you love your mascara (and when many of us find a mascara that works wonders we don't tend to part) then this isn't for you.

LashDip: This is the latest lash boosting treatment on the market that acts as semi-permenant mascara and stays put on your real lashes for up to six weeks.  A gel is painted onto your batters so you can wake up in the morning looking enhanced with out having to take the extra step of the wand.

Eyelash Extensions: Individual lashes that are attached to your own individual lashes with glue by using tweezers.  The process takes about an hour and a half to two hours, but the lashes are luscious!  The cost of the treatment is lessening, which is great for the lashionistas out there, but is an average of $300 and they last about four to six weeks.  I've had them before and loved them!  As soon as they all fell off I felt naked.

You can always boost your batters with classic mascara.  Knowing which is right for you, can make a world of a difference.  Personally, I love using RapidLash with mascara.  Mascara's my finishing touch!

The New Year Brings the Best for BeautySweetSpot

Happy New Year!  Just yesterday I began kicking off the year back in my NYC apartment after spending two weeks relaxing at home in Jersey.  It feels good to be back!  Time to grind!  Of course, I'm going to hit on some of my New Year's resolutions in this post, but trust me, they affect you too! How you ask?  Because I write about my interests and passions and one of them is working out... this is my year for toning the booty (and the whole lower half for that matter)!  So of course you should expect to find some tips and tricks on how to get in the best shape for your body time from some top personal trainers on BeautySweetSpot.

Two very popular features from the past that will be reappearing in 2011 are "Man of the Week" and "VIP Pass to the Industry."  For those of you who aren't familiar, I used to feature a different man each week and give you a peek into their medicine cabinets and fantasies.  This year, I'm going to be featuring a "Man of the Moment" and featuring them one or two times per month instead.  Know a man who may be good for the site?  Write in and nominate one!  These are regular guys off the street.  There are two qualifications:  they have to be sexy and successful.

"VIP Pass to the Industry" gives you a sneak peek behind the scenes of what it's really like to be a blogger, editor at a magazine or publicist in beauty or fashion.  I feel like there are so many movies made and books written on the industry that don't really give a fair glimpse.  Here, you can hear from the girls who are doing the jobs every day on what their days are like, perks and advice on how to get in.

Also on the site I'll be doing a lot more YouTube product reviews and such.  Of course, everything else you love will stay the same or just keep getting better with the opportunities I'm given.  I wish you all a happy, healthy and successful year.  Cheers!

My Rant About the Biggest Photoshop Fails of 2010

This has to be one of the best things I've seen all year.  The Huffington Post put together a slide show of the biggest photo shop fails of the year and I had to include it on BeautySweetSpot for two reasons – one, because it's hysterical that professionals can do such a bad job and two, to remind all of you that most of the time, probably 99.9%, what you see isn't real. We're inundated by images of models and celebrities hundreds of times per day and the idea of perfection is sickening.  It's absolutely shocking to me that magazine photo editors and Editor-in-Chiefs who stand by the "integrity" of their publications continue to let this go on to the extent that it does.  They all want to relate to the "real girl" and talk to her.  Each year they ask, "Who is our reader?  What is she like?  What does she like to do?"  So they can try to best relate to her.  Do they ever step back and ask, "What type of effect are we having on our reader?"  Apparently not, or maybe content wise, but what about the images?  What about ethics?

I'm not as shocked by the fashion designers who continue to chose models who seem to nearly have eating disorders to showcase their clothes.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe it's because I'm in the editorial space and have worked at a magazine and seen the photo-shopping done, over and over again.

With American culture being so celebrity obsessed, and the pressures of the "idea of perfection" still being planted in front of our faces and in our minds over and over again every single day, I don't see this image or photo shopping changing any time soon.  This is why it's important we remind ourselves it's all fake.

Take a look for yourself at The Huffington Post's collection of The Biggest Photoshop Fails of 2010.  In the photo above Kimora Lee Simmons on the left "borrowed" her legs from the model on the right for her fragrance ad campaign.  I'd like to "borrow" her legs too... just sayin'.

Makeup Tips from Napoleon Perdis

I was so thrilled to get a personal makeover with my all-time favorite make-up artist Napoleon Perdis. While I was enjoying champagne and chocolates at his New York apartment; I was shown his new makeup collection, taught inspiration behind the look, and of course easy application tips. Napoleon Perdis is known for enhancing natural beauty and his makeup tips are perfect for any woman wanting just a bit of color. His inspiration for the season was his homeland – Australia.  Say hello to a warm winter glow. Here are some tips I picked up on how to enhance your  beauty.

Tip #1:

You have to start with a great foundation, which is beautiful skin. The first step to perfect skin is to exfoliate. Exfoliating will keep your skin clear from acne and remove dull, dry skin. Do this at least once a week and make sure to follow up with a moisturizer. Moisturizing your skin will keep it hydrated and will keep skin clear, smoother, and brighter. Try Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Cruising Moisturizing and Auto Pilot  AntiAgeing, $69.

Tip #2:

Before using foundation start with a makeup primer. This will allow your foundation to glide on smoother to give even coverage. A primer also helps your makeup last longer. I learned about Napoleon Perdis Auto Piolet Primer, $39 which contains Vitamin E.

Tip #3:

The quality of your brushes is crucial when applying makeup. The better quality brushes will allow makeup to go more evenly. Even if you use a less expensive foundation or blush, if you use quality brushes you can still get professional results. Since the event I've been using Napoleon's Great Escape Brush Set, $79, because they are perfect for traveling and I've been traveling a lot with the holidays.

Napoleon Perdis also came out with a Chandelier Shine Lip Gloss Pack which includes a lip gloss and polish that's super cute for $15.  Check it out and create your own natural beauty look.

Last Giveaway of the Year - Muks Boots

It's Monday and time to get back to the grind!  I hope you all had happy holidays!  To kick off the last week of the year I'm doing one more giveaway.  Perhaps the best one yet.  No matter where you live or what kind of weather you have everyone can go for a pair of these during the winter season – Muks Boots, $275. These boots are to die for!  They're the black studded half muks boots from the Glam Rock Collection, which are a combination of soft suede and rabbit fur with a studded design around the top and on the top edge.  The black wool lining will keep your feet warm and cozy all season long.

In case you're not familiar, Muks are worn by A-listers like Kate Moss, Beyonce and Kate Hudson.  I'm obsessed with them and can't wait to gift a pair to one of my readers!

Here's how to win:

• Follow and RT the contest @beautysweetspot  Twitter
• Comment below filling me in on what you'd like to see on BeautySweetSpot for 2011

Get Holiday Party Ready in A Flash

Tis' the season.  Let me tell you.  With the holidays approaching I haven't had a chance to breathe!  Normally work events slow down a bit, but this year, it seems every brand wants to have new launch events and holiday parties this season and on top of it, I have so many parties with my friends and family!  I haven't been able to breathe since Thanksgiving!  I'm sure you're feeling quite the same way between shopping, entertaining and party hopping.  Because of all of the madness I've had to cut the corners on my primping this year and do a lot of it myself.  Thank God for good DIY products.  Here's what I've been doing, it can save you too! L’Oréal Paris Root Rescue 10 Minute Root Coloring Kit , $7.99

I haven't had a second to make a salon appointment during the week and they've been totally booked on Saturdays so this came to my rescue and it only takes ten minutes.  Not only did it do the job matching my color but it was really easy to use for the every day girl (like me) because the applicator allows for precise control.  The best part – it only takes ten minutes!

Lancome Flash Bronzer Body Gel, $33

Well it is December, but that's no excuse for me to look absolutely see through!  I can literally see the blue veins on my hands.  No lie.  So of course, once again it's self tanner to the rescue!  I've been using this Lancome body gel at night before the day of a party so I wake up glowy.  It leaves a natural, subtle glow instead of a very tan look, which is perfect for this time of year.

Sally Hansen Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Chrome Pen, $7.79

Of course I get mani's regularly, but you'll notice I always complain about them chipping within two days, so no - they don't last me through the week.  When I need a quick DIY fix this is my go-to. I love the Chrome color for the holidays because it mimics the minx mani and the best part – it dries in a flash!

Holiday Gift Idea & Giveaway: Flirt! Limited Edition Eyeshadow Set

Happy Monday!  To start the week off with another fabulous giveaway I'd like to reintroduce you to one of my fave makeup brands Flirt!  You know why I like it –the name says a lot, but this holiday season they came out with one of the most fab palettes I've ever seen – the Flirt! Limited Edition Eyeshadow Set, $29.99. It has 40 shades! I experimented with it and made so many different color combos.  I don't know any woman who wouldn't enjoy playing with this.  I'd consider it a must-have palette for anyone who loves wearing different looks.  It has a combination of matte and shimmery shadows.

Want one? Of course you do!  Happy Holidays from BeautySweetSpot!  I'm giving one away to a lucky reader.  Comment below and fill me in on a great eye makeup tip.

A winner will be chosen at random on December 20th (a bit longer).  Good luck!

2010 International Emmy Awards Highlights & Video Interviews

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the 2010 International Emmy Awards with my good friend Paul Baranda of BeyondBeautyBasics.com. We reported live from the red carpet and hung out in the press room where all of the winners and presenters celebrated and took moments out for press interviews and photo ops after they received their Emmy. Since it was the International Emmys, I was more excited to chat with some of the presenters including Jimmy Fallon, Simon Cowell, Jason Priestly, Peter Facinelli of Twilight and Elizabeth Moss of Mad Men than to hang out with the Emmy winners.

However one of the highlights of my night, and every man's night in attendance was checking out Portuguesese actress and model, Rita Pereira.  Why?  Because her boobs stole the show!  I interviewed the bombshell in the press room after she

won an Emmy about her show-stopping cleavage and she wasn't shy!  Check it out.

Elizabeth Moss wasn't feeling too well, she says she was losing her voice, but stopped for a second to tell me her red carpet clutch must have, which didn't surprise me at all because she couldn't keep it out of her hands!

Another highlight of the evening was chatting with Simon Cowell and his fiance, Mezhgan Hussainy.  She dished how she keeps her mani in tact and showed off her massive, 6 carat engagement ring.  Check out the video after the jump!

Surprise guests included

Alec Baldwin and Rupert Murdoch.

Boost Your Locks Tips & Nioxin Giveaway

Let's face it, we live in a society where voluminous blow outs and Victoria's Secret like manes are coveted.  Long, healthy hair is attractive.  Most American woman aren't blessed with this type of hair.  Let's be honest.  Therefore, I turn to clip-in extensions to achieve those results for TV appearances and Spokesperson roles.  But for about the past month I've been testing out a three step hair care system by Nioxin.  It consists of a shampoo, conditioner and scalp treatment for fine, thin, chemically treated hair.  Yep, that's me.  With daily use, it's building thickness and adding strength. We all know great hair starts at the scalp and that's where I feel these products working.  I only use the shampoo and scalp treatment at the scalp because any conditioner would weigh my roots down, but the products are invigorating so they must be doing something right.

I've always had fine, thin hair, but for some women, hair thins over time and there are many causes from stress to genetics.  As a matter of fact, the average age women deal with thinning hair is between 25 and 25 years old and 90% of the time it's due to genetics.  So don't stress if you're one of them.  It will only make the problem worse!  Try this Nioxin system.

I'm giving away 10 of them!  Follow me and RT the giveaway for a chance to win.  Comment below and let me know when your first aging/hair thinning moment was. Ten winners will be chosen at random via twitter on Monday, November 22nd.  Good luck!

Tis' the Season for A Month of Gift Ideas and Giveaways

It seems like people are jumping the gun with the holiday season this year, in NYC anyway.  But hey, I'm not complaining!  People are already in the holiday spirit, which I feel doesn't really kick in until after Thanksgiving.  It's surely my favorite time of year and to celebrate the cheer and your dedication to BeautySweetSpot, I'm gifting you! (Starting with this fine gentleman to the left!) Instead of doing a normal gift guide, I'm going to be posting a series of themed gift guides starting next week and the best part – everything I feature is being given away!

Make sure you tune in to BeautySweetSpot daily starting Monday, November, 22nd for a month of fabulous gift ideas for everyone on your list including that special man and tons giveaways!

What's on your wish list this year?  Sorry ladies, I can't giveaway the sexy Santa on the site!

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: Backstage Hair Secrets Video

Sam McKnight, lead hairstylist behind the 2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show described the look as "sexy, full, voluptuous, gorge, movable, touchable – dream girls with dream hair."  Yep, that pretty much sums up Bombshell waves! His secret: clip in extensions.  All of the girls besides two were wearing them (some glue in) to accentuate their hair and give them va-va-voom appeal. In the video below McKnight explains the look and converses with Alessandra as she impatiently begins to do her own!

Key products used were Very Sexy Hairspray (can be used on the bod too!) and Tousled Waves Enhancer.